Peer-reviewed international research papers published open-access with EOI assignment and global indexing across engineering, computer science, environmental science, social sciences, and more.
Glaciers in the Karakoram have stayed close to balance while glaciers in most other mountain ranges lost mass, a behavior known as the Karakoram Anomaly, but whether this behavior is now coming to an end remains an open question. Using the complete Sentinel-2 archive, we present Glacial Sentinel, a fully reproducible Google Earth Engine framework that monitors late-summer snow and ice conditions within Randolph Glacier Inventory (RGI 7.0) outlines, updatable for any number of years. From 2,326 cloud-masked scenes (2016–2025) over 13,386 km² of glacierized terrain in the central Karakoram, three indicators are derived: late-summer snow/ice area from the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), mean on-glacier NDSI, and the end-of-summer snowline altitude from 100 m elevation-band snow-cover profiles. Late-summer snow/ice area shows no significant trend (−19 km² yr⁻¹, p = 0.80), consistent with a persistent Anomaly. However, mean on-glacier NDSI declined significantly (−0.006 yr⁻¹, p = 0.026), and the end-of-summer snowline rose by +18.1 m yr⁻¹ (95% CI +8.5 to +27.8; R² = 0.70; ordinary-least-squares p = 0.002; Mann–Kendall p = 0.004), robust to exclusion of either or both endpoint years (+12.1 to +19.4 m yr⁻¹, all p ≤ 0.035). The 2025 snowline (4,579 m) stood 179 m above the 2016–2023 mean. Independent geodetic elevation-change data (2000–2019) over the same mask average −0.03 m yr⁻¹, confirming near-neutral mass balance with thinning below ∼4,500 m. Although glacier-wide snow-cover extent remains stable, the snowline is starting to register a warming signal, with 2024–2025 the most negative surface conditions on record.
Although terracing is actively encouraged across Rwanda as a means of conserving soil and water, its uptake among smallholder farmers in Gakenke District remains limited, and challenges around food output and household food security persist. This research examined how terrace construction influences agricultural productivity in the district, focusing on three aims: cataloguing the terrace types present, contrasting farm output before and after terraces were introduced, and testing the statistical link between terracing and productivity. The study followed a descriptive design that blended quantitative and qualitative methods. Applying Slovin's formula to a population of 85,808, researchers selected 398 household heads as respondents and supplemented this with three purposefully chosen key informants; 350 usable questionnaires were returned, yielding an 87.9% response rate. Quantitative data were examined through descriptive and correlational statistics in SPSS, and interview responses underwent thematic analysis. Results indicate that bench (radical) terraces (97.1%), progressive terraces (88.2%), and contour bunds (84.8%) dominate erosion-control efforts on the district's steep landscape. Roughly 68.8% of farmers had adopted terracing, and 94.0% of those surveyed noted marked yield improvements afterward, particularly for maize, Irish potatoes, beans, and passion fruit, alongside better food security at the household level. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between terracing and productivity (r = 0.891, p < 0.01), meaning terrace construction accounts for roughly 89.1% of the variance in productivity outcomes. The study concludes that terracing underpins sustainable agriculture on Rwanda's steep terrain and calls for greater government funding, farmer education, and supporting conservation practices.
Lahore, Pakistan, is regularly ranked among the world's most polluted cities, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major driver of its urban health burden. We measured PM2.5 concentrations monthly at four sites in Lahore – Town Hall, Township, the Pak-Green industrial zone, and Punjab University – between May 2024 and April 2025 using a beta attenuation monitor, and used the World Health Organization's AirQ+ model to estimate the number of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), stroke and ischemic heart disease (IHD) cases attributable to PM2.5 exposure. Annual average concentrations ranged from 82.5 to 99.2 µg/m3 across sites, several times the WHO annual guideline value, and peaked in winter at all locations. PM2.5 exposure was estimated to account for 5,066 cases across the four outcomes over the study period, with ALRI contributing the largest share (2,137 cases; attributable proportion 47.5%), concentrated among children aged 0–5 years, followed by IHD, COPD and stroke. These findings indicate that a substantial proportion of Lahore's respiratory and cardiovascular disease burden is attributable to ambient PM2.5, and support the use of AirQ+ as a practical tool for quantifying air pollution health impacts and informing air quality policy in similarly data-limited cities.
KeyWords: PM2.5; AirQ+; air pollution; health risk assessment; attributable disease burden; cardiovascular and respiratory diseases; Lahore
This study aims to analyze the factors that influence students' attitudes and motivation in learning French as a Foreign Language. These factors include various elements that influence students' desire and interest in learning French, such as internal and external motivation, perception of the usefulness of French, and previous language learning experience. The method to be used is quantitative research using descriptive design. The population is all students of the French Department at Savannakhet University (SKU). The population of this study was about 196 students, and the researcher randomly selected a sample of 132 students from the total population for this study. Based on the results of the study, 69.7% of students have the motivation to learn French because they want to have a profession related to the language later. This shows that most students have a strong motivation to learn French because they see a direct relevance between French language skills and future career opportunities.
Keywords: Attitude, Foreign language, French learning, Motivation.
NKO?GO Nkongo Josué est natif de Mweka en republique democratique du Congo. Congolais d'origine, il est Medecin, chercheur independant, orthopediste-traumatologue de son état
Les pathologies ostéo-articulaires constituent actuellement une cause majeure de douleur chronique, de limitation fonctionnelle et de handicap dans le monde. Les données issues des études de charge mondiale des maladies montrent que les troubles musculosquelettiques figurent parmi les principales causes d’années vécues avec incapacité, avec un impact particulièrement important dans les systèmes de santé à ressources limitées (Vos et al., 2020 ; Cieza et al., 2021 ; GBD 2021 Diseases and Injuries Collaborators, 2024).
Malgré les progrès considérables réalisés en chirurgie orthopédique, en traumatologie et en médecine régénérative, la récupération complète des patients demeure variable. Les connaissances actuelles montrent que la réparation osseuse est un processus biologique complexe impliquant une interaction dynamique entre inflammation contrôlée, angiogenèse, cellules souches mésenchymateuses, facteurs de croissance, matrice extracellulaire et contraintes mécaniques (Einhorn, 1998 ; Marsell & Einhorn, 2011 ; Gerstenfeld et al., 2007).
Dans ce contexte, le présent article propose un nouveau cadre conceptuel dénommé Médecine Ostéorégénérative Intégrée (MORI). Cette approche vise à réunir les apports de la biologie osseuse, de l’orthopédie, de la traumatologie, de la médecine régénérative, de la réadaptation fonctionnelle, de la nutrition clinique et de la santé publique autour d’un modèle centré sur le patient.
La MORI ne constitue pas une nouvelle intervention thérapeutique, mais une architecture intégrative destinée à organiser les connaissances scientifiques existantes et à structurer un parcours coordonné de soins. Elle repose sur cinq dimensions complémentaires : biologique, clinique, fonctionnelle, organisationnelle et scientifique.
La pandémie de COVID-19 a mis en évidence les faiblesses structurelles des systèmes de surveillance sanitaire, en particulier dans les pays à ressources limitées tels que la République Démocratique du Congo. Dans ce contexte, la présente étude propose une approche innovante fondée sur l’intégration systématique de l’éducation en santé publique à tous les niveaux du système éducatif, avec pour ambition de transformer chaque citoyen en acteur de prévention.
L’objectif principal est d’évaluer le potentiel de l’éducation en santé publique en tant que levier stratégique de renforcement de la résilience communautaire face aux épidémies. Une approche méthodologique mixte a été adoptée, combinant une enquête quantitative (n = 1200) et des entretiens qualitatifs réalisés dans la ville de Kinshasa.
Les résultats indiquent que 78 % des répondants présentent un faible niveau de connaissances en matière de prévention sanitaire, tandis que 92 % se déclarent favorables à l’intégration de modules obligatoires de santé publique dans les programmes scolaires. L’analyse statistique met en évidence une corrélation significative (p < 0,05) entre le niveau d’éducation sanitaire et l’adoption de comportements préventifs.
Cette étude conclut que l’institutionnalisation de l’éducation en santé publique dans le système éducatif constitue une stratégie durable et complémentaire aux dispositifs classiques de surveillance, susceptible d’améliorer significativement la préparation et la réponse aux crises sanitaires.
Mots-clés : santé publique, éducation sanitaire, résilience, pandémie, prévention, RDC
This study assessed the response of two local sorrel varieties (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) to cow dung application under the agroecological conditions of Kikwit, Democratic Republic of Congo. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Two varieties, one with entire leaves (V1) and the other with dentate leaves (V2), were grown with and without cow dung at 3 kg/m², equivalent to 30 t/ha. The parameters evaluated included emergence rate, plant height, stem diameter, number of branches and leaves, number of harvested plants, and fresh biomass yield. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the least significant difference test at the 5% probability level. The results showed that cow dung significantly improved plant growth and yield in both varieties. The highest yield was recorded for fertilized V1 (3.143 kg/m²). Therefore, the rational use of organic manure is recommended to improve sorrel production under local farming conditions.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this work is to analyze the implementation of the 2030 Agenda – the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), signed on January 1, 2016, following the Post-2015 Agenda, by the 193 member states of the United Nations (UN), with a deadline of December 31, 2030. Beyond the central analytical question, this study seeks to identify the historical social ills transformed into Global Goals and Targets, to point out the challenges facing nations in fulfilling this historical commitment, to identify the responsibilities of Public Administration, represented by Political Agents and Public Agents, the Private Sector, and Society, and to corroborate, through the realization of this global challenge, the future of the planet. This Global Agenda comprises 17 Goals and 169 Targets, in addition to the 18th Goal, proposed by the Brazilian Government in September 2023, and its purposes are centered on three pillars of sustainable development: economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, encompassing fundamental themes such as poverty eradication, public health, education, gender equality, ethnic-racial equality, combating climate change, responsible consumption, and strengthening democratic institutions. For the thematic discussion, qualitative research was conducted, which, through the historical-deductive method, used bibliographic research to analyze the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the future of the Planet.
We know, Only the State that recognizes or better yet grants rights to the Catholic Church and guarantees the exercise of these rights. Through this framework agreement, the Catholic Church acquires legal personality under public law just like state institutions. Relations between the Holy See and the Congolese State date back a long time.
MOTS CLES : Etat, Saint-Siège, Diplomatie, Eglise, Accord.
“Ismail Abbas [1] proposes a reformulation of quantum mechanics and physics using Cairo techniques, bounded statistical systems, and novel mathematical frameworks to uncover hidden laws in classical and quantum physics.
Overview of Abbas’s Approach
Ismail Abbas, a PhD lecturer at Cairo University, has developed a series of theoretical frameworks aimed at addressing perceived limitations in classical and quantum physics
. His work emphasizes that traditional mathematics has been used as a tool in physics but should not be assumed to generate new physical laws; instead, he argues that physics can reveal new mathematics through statistical and unitary approaches .
Key Concepts in Abbas’s New Physics
1. Bounded Statistical Systems: Abbas introduces the concept of a bounded statistical system, defined as a closed control volume with Dirichlet boundary conditions. This framework is applied to both classical and quantum systems, providing constraints that help resolve paradoxes such as Schrödinger’s cat by accounting for information loss in open systems .
2. Cairo Techniques: This is a 4D unitary numerical statistical method that Abbas uses to reformulate quantum mechanics. It involves transition chains and B-Transition Matrices to correct incomplete or misleading aspects of the Schrödinger equation, allowing for a more precise description of quantum energy distributions .
3. Reformulation of the Schrödinger Equation: Abbas proposes squaring the Schrödinger PDE to represent the quantum energy density as a real quantity, Ψ² = Ψ·Ψ*, which provides a clearer statistical interpretation of quantum states and energy distributions
.
4. Integration with General Relativity: His work also explores merging quantum mechanics with general relativity within bounded volumes, suggesting that electromagnetic and gravitational fields can be reformulated to align with quantum principles, potentially leading to a unified framework .
5. Discovery of Hidden Laws: Abbas claims that thousands of intrinsic laws and rules in physics, mathematics, and biochemistry remain undiscovered. His methods aim to systematically uncover these hidden patterns using statistical and unitary approaches .
Implications
Abbas’s contributions are primarily theoretical and focus on providing a new mathematical and physical lens to understand quantum phenomena, energy distributions, and the interplay between classical and relativistic physics. His work challenges conventional assumptions and proposes alternative formulations that could refine or extend current models in physics.
In summary, Ismail Abbas’s “new physics” revolves around bounded statistical systems, Cairo techniques, and reformulated quantum mechanics, aiming to reveal hidden laws and improve the precision of physical theories “
We all know that mathematics entered physics as a tool, but gradually it turned into the master of physics.
In the sense that, the majority of people think that mathematics can generate physics, when in fact it's the other way around.
Objective:
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small but significant subpopulation of tumour cells with the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation. This review examines how CSCs contribute to tumour initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies, with the aim of evaluating their potential as therapeutic targets.
Methodology:
A literature-based review was conducted using published research on CSC biology, tumour heterogeneity, molecular signalling, biomarkers, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Evidence from studies across multiple cancer types was synthesised to evaluate the mechanisms through which CSCs influence tumour development and treatment outcomes.
Key Findings:
CSCs generally comprise approximately 0.01–2% of tumour cells and exhibit enhanced self-renewal, proliferation, migration, and treatment resistance compared with non-CSCs. CSC-associated signalling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, TGF-β, and Hedgehog, contribute to maintenance of stem-like characteristics. CSCs also promote tumour progression, angiogenesis, immune evasion, metastasis, and recurrence. Following conventional treatment, residual tumours may become enriched in CSCs, highlighting their role in therapeutic resistance.
Conclusions:
CSCs are important drivers of tumour development and recurrence and represent promising therapeutic targets. However, their heterogeneity, rarity, plasticity, and incomplete biological characterisation present substantial challenges. Further research into CSC biomarkers, signalling mechanisms, and selective therapeutic strategies is needed to improve cancer treatment and reduce recurrence and metastasis.
In geotechnical engineering the Factor of Safety (FoS) is an important parameter which is used as the key to assess the stability of sloped ground and for safety of infrastructure and human life. This key FoS is very sensitive to environmental factors like rainfall and earthquakes in gypseous soils, and is difficult to predict and understand. This study proposes a strong machine learning (ML) model to accurately predict the FoS of slopes using a combination of diverse data from Plate Load Tests (PLTs), direct shear tests, and Finite Element (FE) analyses. To develop a gradient boosting model (XGBoost), a model was optimized with exceptional performance (R² = 0.96, MAE = 0.15) in predicting FoS. Comparing the prediction results of the ML model with the results of the classical method shows that the ML model has successfully internalized the complex physical relationships between soil strength, geometry, water pressure and stability. Based on the model, detailed parametric studies were carried out, which indicated that the most powerful destabilizing factor affecting FoS is the seismic acceleration and the second is rainfall intensity. Perhaps most importantly, the addition of PLT data for a 41° slope allowed for a validated investigation of extreme geometries, with slopes below a FoS of 1.3 being deemed to be critically unstable by PLT even in the absence of water. These slopes are therefore highly prone to failure. The nanoclay (5-7%) proved to be very effective mitigation measure, reaching up to 45% improvement in FoS in saturated conditions.
Mastering arithmetic operations, particularly subtraction, is a critical foundational skill in early education, pivotal for the cognitive development of numeracy and mathematical understanding. Hence, this study documented the implementation of subtraction charts among Grade 1 learners of Acao Elementary School for the Academic Year 2024-2025 to enhance their proficiency in subtraction. Total enumeration composed of 21 served as respondents.
Meanwhile, quantitative method analyzed the pretest and posttest scores. Validated instrument determined the level of proficiency in subtraction without regrouping. Data gathered were subjected to mean, t-test, and percentage.
Results revealed that after the implementation of the intervention, their level of proficiency rose up to ‘nearly proficient’. When subjected to t-test, there was significant difference in the pretest and posttest results of Grade 1 learners in their proficiency levels. The medium percentage gain shows the effectiveness of the subtraction charts. Hence, the subtraction chart was effective in improving the proficiency level of Grade 1 learners.
Keywords: level of proficiency, subtraction charts, subtraction without regrouping
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed the field of Information Technology (IT) education, presenting new challenges for instructors tasked with preparing students for an evolving technological landscape. This study explored the challenges encountered by IT instructors and examined their lived experiences in teaching within a rapidly changing digital environment. Employing a qualitative research design using a phenomenological approach, the study gathered data from purposively selected IT instructors through in-depth interviews. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, experiences, and coping strategies.
Findings revealed that IT instructors face numerous challenges associated with the continuous evolution of technology. These include the need to constantly update their technical knowledge, revise instructional materials, adapt teaching methodologies, and learn emerging tools and platforms. Participants also identified inadequate technological infrastructure, outdated equipment, unreliable internet connectivity, heavy workloads, and limited professional development opportunities as major barriers to effective instruction. These challenges contributed to increased stress, workload pressures, and difficulties in maintaining professional growth and motivation. Despite these obstacles, instructors demonstrated resilience by engaging in self-directed learning, attending workshops and training programs, collaborating with colleagues, and maximizing available resources to enhance teaching effectiveness.
The study concludes that teaching Information Technology requires continuous adaptation to technological advancements and industry demands. Institutional support plays a crucial role in helping instructors remain effective and motivated in their profession. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive support systems that include regular professional development, updated technological resources, collaborative learning opportunities, manageable workloads, and stronger industry linkages. Such initiatives are essential to fostering instructor development and ensuring the continued quality and relevance of IT education in the digital age.
ABSTRACT
Donor-funded disaster preparedness projects play a vital role in strengthening community resilience and reducing disaster risk in vulnerable regions such as Rubavu District, Rwanda. However, their implementation is strongly shaped by the procurement practices that govern the acquisition of goods, services, and works. This study examined the effect of four procurement practices: supplier selection and evaluation, procurement planning, contract management, and procurement monitoring and control on the implementation of donor-funded disaster preparedness projects, using the Volcanoes Community Resiliency Project (VCRP) in Rubavu District as a case study. Guided by the Principal–Agent Theory and the Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, the study adopted a descriptive and correlational research design. The target population comprised 472,558 stakeholders, from which a sample of 150 respondents was drawn using census and simple random sampling techniques; 147 (98%) returned fully completed questionnaires. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and document review, and analysed in SPSS Version 28. A pilot study involving 15 respondents confirmed instrument validity (Content Validity Index = 1.00) and reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.77). Findings revealed that supplier selection had a strong positive effect on project implementation (R² = 0.675, β = 0.739, p = 0.000); procurement planning had a moderate positive effect (R² = 0.428, β = 0.592, p = 0.000); contract management had a moderate-to-strong positive effect (R² = 0.458, β = 0.652, p = 0.000); and procurement monitoring and control had a moderate positive effect (R² = 0.278, β = 0.408, p = 0.000). The combined model explained 77.3% of the variation in project implementation (R² = 0.773, F = 121.021, p = 0.000), with supplier selection as the strongest predictor (β = 0.498), followed by contract management (β = 0.252) and procurement planning (β = 0.242); procurement monitoring and control was not statistically significant in the combined model (p = 0.182). The study concludes that sound procurement practices particularly supplier selection, procurement planning, and contract management are central to the successful implementation of donor-funded disaster preparedness projects. It is recommended that implementing agencies prioritise rigorous supplier evaluation, early and participatory procurement planning, and disciplined contract management, while continuing to strengthen monitoring and control systems to sustain accountability.
Keywords: Procurement practices, Supplier selection, Procurement planning, Contract management, Procurement monitoring and control, Project implementation, Donor-funded projects, Disaster preparedness.
The design study was conducted in ANSYS 2025R2 for assessment of pretension, contact and failure of a bolted plate bracket and pin assembly. The analysis was performed using two load steps. In the first step, bolt pretension was applied to the bolt shank based on the calculated pretension force derived from the bolt’s tensile stress area and proof load. In the second step, the pretension was locked, and an external force of 25 kN was applied to the pin face in the Z-direction to simulate service loading conditions. The application of bolt pretension resulted in a uniform clamping action between the bracket and the plate. The bolt experienced an increase in axial tensile stress due to load transfer from the external force. Despite this redistribution, the contact status plot indicated no complete contact loss, confirming that joint separation did not occur at 25kN. The variation of bolt working load with increasing external force is presented for load levels of 30 kN, 35 kN, 40 kN, and the separating load case. The results obtained from both the finite element simulation and the analytical hand calculations demonstrate that the selected bolt operates well within safe limits under the applied external load of 6 Kn.
Citizen participation is an important part of democratic governance. It leads to increased accountability, legitimacy of policies, transparency and government responsiveness to social demands. This study investigates the opportunities and barriers of citizen participation in Nigeria's governance system. The research used a qualitative descriptive approach to conduct interviews with policymakers, civil society actors and governance experts. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to establish patterns related to participatory mechanisms, opportunities and obstacles. Based on the Ladder of Citizen Participation model proposed by Arnstein (1969), the study discovered that several reforms are geared towards citizen participation ranging from the Freedom of Information Act, public consultations, electoral participation and information technologies which provides citizens with more opportunities for participating in policies. These opportunities have been undermined by some factors, including institutional weaknesses, domination by elites in decision-making, corruption, inefficiencies in administration, socio-economic disparities, digital divides and insecurity. The findings show that citizen participation in Nigeria is mostly at the consultative level and does not move to the partnership level of citizen involvement. The study shows that to attain meaningful participation, there is a need to go beyond the process of setting up participatory structures and make institutional changes towards transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, civic engagement and responsiveness to citizens' input all through the policy process cycle. The recommendations of this study include among others, enhancing laws of participation, increasing information access, increasing civic education, supporting civil society organizations, digital inclusion and empowerment of local institutions.
The ethics of alterity provides a fertile conceptual framework for rethinking the condition of women beyond the traditional categories of identity and difference. A critical rereading of the philosophical foundations of difference makes it possible to conceive of woman no longer as an object of knowledge or as the complement of man, but as an irreducible subject, bearer of a dignity that escapes any logic of domination or appropriation.
Keywords: Ethics of alterity, woman, irreducible subject, dignity
The notion of femininity emerges as one of the major figures of alterity in Levinas’s work. Through the themes of discretion, mystery, dwelling, modesty, welcome, hospitality, home, habitation, gentleness, intimacy, and separation, Levinas assigns to the feminine an original philosophical function: that of revealing the possibility of a relation to the other that is neither fusion nor possession.
Keywords: Alterity – femininity – figures of the feminine – philosophical function.
ABSTRACT
Recruiting and retaining high-potential employees through positive psychological contracts is a major challenge, particularly in the DRC, where recurring crises have weakened public institutions. This study examined the psychological contract expectations of 602 public sector employees in Butembo and their relationship with gender, department, education level, and length of service. Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Student’s t-test) showed that these factors explain 30.5% of the variance in employees’ expectations. Department of affiliation was the strongest predictor, followed by length of service, gender, and education level. The findings indicate significant differences in organizational conditions across departments. The social climate is perceived more positively in the health and public administration sectors, while remuneration and job security remain largely unmet expectations. Opportunities for skills development are viewed more favorably in the health sector. Overall, employees’ psychological contract expectations are only partially fulfilled, potentially undermining motivation, organizational commitment, service quality, and employability
Keywords : Psychologic contract, workers expectations, public administration.
This study presents the seismic performance of existing three-story high Education Development and Co-ordination Unit Building located in Kalikot using nonlinear static pushover analysis in ETABS 22. Structural details are obtained by measuring the existing building, material properties are obtained using non-destructive test (rebound hammer test) and site inspection, hinge assignment are done to the accurately modeled building under lateral loading. The performance point is determined based on the FEMA 440 Equivalent Linearization procedures, and the capacity of building is assessed through capacity curves. Demand curve is based on NBC 105:2020.
From the analysis, the existing structure satisfies the Immediate Occupancy (IO) performance level in both X and Y direction indicating acceptable performance under designed level seismic force. With the addition of one story some of the structural members were failed so, the infilled wall (0.46m wide stone masonry) was replaced with the brick wall of 0.23m wide. Even after the replacement column of grid D1 was failed and it was retrofitted to 450*450mm then the pushover analysis was carried out. After analysis the performance of the building with addition story was within the Immediate Occupancy (IO) level indicating safe performance under the designed seismic force. Member along Y direction somehow need retrofitting as the displacement is less due to irregularity. The study emphasizes the careful evaluation and retrofitting of the structural components.
Abstract
The 1885 Berlin Conference is commonly viewed as the partition of Africa. The case of the Congo Basin, however, constitutes a notable exception, revealing a tension between free-trade principles and territorial appropriation.
This article offers an economic and commercial reinterpretation of the Berlin Conference by analyzing the DRC as the stake of a failed "collective colonization under condominium" project and by explaining the mechanisms of exclusive appropriation by Belgian imperialism.
We employ a historical economic and international political economy approach. The corpus includes the 1885 General Act of Berlin, British and German consular reports from 1885-1908, and the archives of the concessionary companies ABIR and Anversoise.
Three main findings structure the argument. 1) In 1885, the DRC represented a global economic stake due to rubber, ivory, and the Congo River as a logistical axis to Central Africa. 2) To avoid inter-imperialist conflict, the powers favored a model of free trade and neutrality: "collective colonization" under international control. 3) This model failed. By invoking philanthropy, Leopold II obtained personal sovereignty which he converted between 1885 and 1908 into a state monopoly through the Crown Domain and the concession system. The absence of enforcement mechanisms and the high cost of collective administration facilitated this drift.
The Congolese case demonstrates how a logic of open markets was diverted to benefit a rent-based and extractive economy. This structure, inaugurated in 1885, continues to shape the DRC’s economic insertion.
Keywords : Berlin Conference 1885, DRC, Colonial Economy, Free Trade, Condominium, Belgian Imperialism, Leopold II, Concessions.
ABSTRACT
The Democratic Republic of Congo holds 70% of global cobalt reserves and 10% of copper reserves. In 2023, the mining sector generated USD 14.6 billion in exports, accounting for 90% of total exports according to EITI-DRC.
Yet, 62% of the population lives below the poverty line and youth unemployment exceeds 42% according to the World Bank 2024.
This paradox stems from the structure of foreign direct investment, dominated by raw material extraction and export with weak local integration.
This paper assesses the relevance of a mandatory 50-50 production-sharing mechanism as a driver of industrial autonomy and job creation.
Using a qualitative approach, documentary analysis and two comparative case studies, Norway and Botswana, we show that countries adopting production sharing have succeeded in capturing more value added and diversifying their economies.
Results indicate that if applied in the DRC, 50-50 could create 380,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2035 and triple local value added.
The paper concludes on the need for a legal, institutional and governance framework to prevent the failure of this mechanism.
Keywords : Production sharing, Industrial autonomy, Local content, Job creation, Foreign direct investment, DRC
The idea of Westernization, which includes the adoption of dietary, behavioral, and environmental practices linked to urbanization and industrialization, is one prominent explanation for microbiome disruption and the increased incidence of Crohn’s disease in developed nations versus developing nations, here represented by the United States and Pakistan, respectively. By applying a comparative analysis on epidemiological data, dietary patterns, and lifestyle archetypes between the two countries, this research evaluates whether Westernization explains the disparity in disease prevalence while also considering alternative explanations, such as diagnostic limitations and healthcare infrastructure differences. The observed differences in prevalence most likely stem from a mix of biological, environmental, and medical variables, emphasizing the significance of comprehending how dietary and lifestyle modifications affect global well-being, the importance of creating preventative measures to deal with the etiology, disease causation, pathogeny and pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s, as well as innovative methods, future research directions, and discussions to alleviate the impact on individuals and society.
Pronunciation plays a crucial role in effective communication, particularly in English, as accurate pronunciation enhances comprehensibility and facilitates successful interaction. This study investigated the factors affecting English pronunciation among students at Savan Centre, with the objectives of identifying the major influencing factors and proposing effective strategies to address students’ pronunciation difficulties. A quantitative research approach was employed, using questionnaires to collect data on internal and external factors. Internal factors included native language, learner characteristics, and perception, while external factors comprised motivation and the classroom environment. The findings indicated that respondents strongly recognized the importance of understanding the fundamentals of English pronunciation, with a ("X" ̅ = 4.25; S.D = 0.85). Regarding external factors, having clear expectations and goals was identified as a major source of motivation, with a ("X" ̅ = 4.25; S.D = 0.64). Furthermore, watching movies to hear authentic English in real-life contexts was perceived as the most effective strategy for improving pronunciation, with a (X ̅ = 4.60; S.D = 1.21). The study recommends strengthening pronunciation fundamentals, building speaking confidence, watching English-language media, listening to podcasts and music, interacting with native speakers, setting clear goals, and engaging in regular English-speaking activities with classmates. Keywords: English pronunciation, internal factors, external factors, motivation, classroom environment, pronunciation improvement.
The growing demand for animal products has led to an increase in the number of animals farmed and the use of modern technologies to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This paper discusses advances in agricultural technology, such as artificial insemination and selective breeding, as well as CAFOs and their effects on animal welfare. Moreover, the paper highlights other crucial aspects of animal husbandry, namely the slaughtering methods and the use of veterinary medicines. While selective breeding and artificial insemination are used to increase production performance and genetic potential, they can also have negative effects on animals’ welfare due to inherited conditions, chronic pain, and inadequate living space. In addition, the paper sheds light on CAFOs, their environmental impacts, and the challenges they pose for animals and farmers. Finally, the paper addresses slaughter and related ethical concerns, including issues with stunning methods and animal stress, and presents the differences between traditional and modern slaughterhouse technologies. This paper concludes with a discussion of the importance of agricultural technologies such as precision agriculture, precision livestock farming, and veterinary medicines, given their crucial roles in disease control, animal welfare, and farm efficiency. However, they are expensive and therefore inaccessible to farmers with limited resources.
Long-term petroleum contamination creates serious ecological hurdles for microbial life and their functions in sedimentary ecosystems. This study focused on the culturable endophytic microbial populations found in crude oil contaminated sediments in a mangrove swamp in Bodo, Ogoni land, Nigeria. Sediment samples were collected from the roots of water hyacinth plant (Eichhorniac rassipes) uprooted from the mangrove swamp. Microbial population was determined using the spread plate technique after serial dilution. Total culturable heterotrophic bacterial counts (TCHBC) and total culturable fungal counts (TCFC) were determined using nutrient agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) while total culturable hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial counts (THUBC) and total hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (TCHUFC) were determined using Bushnell Haas agar (with 1% v/v Bonny light crude oil) amended with 0.01 % w/v nystatin and 1% chloramphenicol respectively. The TCHBC ranged from 3.1 × 10⁴ ± 1.52 CFU/g to 2.20 × 10⁶ ± 2.18 CFU/g, TCHUBC ranged from 2.2 × 10⁴ ± 0.99 CFU/g to 3.6 × 10⁵ ± 1.53 CFU/g. Total fungal counts were significantly lower, with TCFC ranging between 2.3 × 10³ ± 0.97 CFU/g and 5.9 × 10³ ± 1.23 CFU/g, and TCHUFC ranging from 1.4 × 10³ ± 1.02 CFU/g to 5.9 × 10³ ± 1.03 CFU/g. This study has revealed that even in the presence of environmental stress like hydrocarbon pollution, endophytic microorganisms still strive and contribute their function in the ecosystem.The ongoing presence of metabolically active heterotrophic and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria and fungi in these aged contaminated sediments highlights the resilience and adaptability of endophytic microorganisms suggesting that they can be harnessed as biological resource for the sustainability and maintenance of degraded ecosystems.
Andreza Calazans Rodrigues, Felipe Wehner Flores, Pablo Lourenço Fernandes, Pedro César Mesquita Cals de Oliveira, Luana Cunha Borowiak, Paulo Vinicius de Oliveira Bastos
Facial and maxillofacial computed tomography angiography (CTA) has become an indispensable diagnostic tool for orthognathic and reconstructive surgical planning, vascular malformation assessment, vascularized tumors, and complex facial trauma. In parallel, artificial intelligence (AI) — particularly convolutional neural networks and deep learning architectures — has been progressively integrated into each of these workflows, supporting automated bone and vessel segmentation, virtual surgical planning, fracture detection, and perforator mapping for microsurgical flap reconstruction. This narrative review synthesizes recent literature on this intersection, with specific emphasis on patient safety: algorithmic bias and limited model generalizability, “black-box” opacity and lack of explainability, gaps in liability and regulatory oversight, and the ongoing need for human supervision. We conclude that, although AI applied to maxillofacial CTA shows consistent gains in accuracy and workflow effi-ciency, responsible clinical adoption depends on prospective multicenter validation, algorithmic transparency, and clearly defined accountability frameworks.
This paper argues that societal pressures around beauty and facial cosmetics function as a pervasive, often unrecognised form of hegemony, shaping women's ideas regarding attractiveness and standards of presentability across diverse cultural settings. Specifically, the study intends to demonstrate that beauty product advertisements both mirror and intensify these pressures by shaping consumers' daily choices about appearance and self-presentation.
By focusing on patterns of beauty advertising and its impact, this research clarifies the mechanisms through which marketing strategies perpetuate and legitimise prevailing beauty ideals. (Pan et al., 2024)
The industry has proliferated and boomed after Third Wave Feminism, and there has also been increasing criticism of women who believe wearing make-up is an act of liberation. (Lazar, 2009, pp. 371-400)
Researchers across domains, especially Sociology and Anthropology, have conducted regression analyses and presented data to support their arguments about the lens through which consumers view beauty and face-product advertisements, and how they are often deceived for the sake of marketing. (Meng et al., 2014, pp. 163-171)
Several clichés revolve around the necessity of wearing make-up and adding artificial beauty for the glam of it, and in other contexts, it becomes a status symbol in certain communities and professions. (McCabe et al., 2020, pp. 656-674)
Keywords: Make-up, Advertisements, Facial cosmetics, Beauty, Visual Image, Filters and Social Media.
This study examines electricity charges in Angola in light of the principle of tax equity, aiming to understand the current reality of electricity tariffs in Soyo specifically regarding the postpaid contract regime and addressing the problem of how to ensure that ENDE-EP customers on postpaid contracts stop paying fluctuating amounts, thereby aligning with the principle of tax equity. The dissertation focuses on electricity charges in Angola, specifically in the Municipality of Soyo (central commune), where 10,636 customers consume electricity: 9,667 low-voltage customers have postpaid contracts, 58 medium-voltage customers have meters, and only 911 customers have prepaid contracts or use meters. To assess the fairness of tax equity regarding electricity charges for postpaid customers, a new model for surveying electrical loads was developed; this model aims to ensure a balanced approach when calculating monthly charges.
Keywords: Taxes, electricity consumption, Principle of Equality, tariff structure.
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